Airlines stick to net-zero aim amid green fuel doubt

Global airlines wrapped up a two-day summit on Tuesday sticking to a target of net zero emissions by 2050, but voicing fresh worries about the availability of greener fuels and new planes.

- 

The International Air Transport Association (IATA), which represents about 350 airlines, said hitting the target would cost carriers $4.7 trillion, or $174 billion a year at least some of which is likely to be passed on as higher fares.

Despite earlier signs that some airlines were growing more skeptical about the chances of reaching the target, IATA avoided re-opening a sensitive debate on net zero as bosses pointed to a narrow window for the industry to meet its goals.

But they stepped up criticism of energy companies, accusing them of adding arbitrary charges in Europe, and planemakers that have failed to deliver efficient jets on time.

"We still have time to get there, but we do need to see more action on the part of all of the partners in the value chain to make sure that the industry can get there," said IATA Director General Willie Walsh.

In April, Mr. Walsh had issued a warning that the net zero emissions agenda was sliding off course, in comments that appeared designed to trigger discussion about the challenges.

On Tuesday, Mr. Walsh said there had been no talk of any delay in the target at this week's annual meeting in New Delhi.